Keraia
1 Corinthians 14

1 Corinthians 14:21

Prophecy and Tongues · 1 Corinthians 14:1–25
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Translations

Modern
It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”
Traditional
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Literal
In the law it has been written: “With other tongues and with different lips I will speak to this people, and not even thus will they hear Me, says the Lord.”
Latin
In lege scriptum est: Quoniam in aliis linguis et labiis aliis loquar populo huic: et nec sic exaudient me, dicit Dominus.

Original

Greek
English
It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.”

Notes

1 Corinthians 14:21–25

Paul used this quotation from Isaiah 28:11–12 to show that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, not believers. However, in 1 Corinthians 14:23–25, Paul argues that unbelievers are more likely to be convinced by prophecy than by speaking in tongues. He emphasizes that, in public worship, prophecy is more useful than speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:1–25

After highlighting the supreme importance of love (chapter 13), Paul discusses spiritual gifts again. He defines their value by how much they help others, which reflects love (chapter 13). With this in mind, Paul compares the overvalued gift of speaking in tongues with the more helpful gift of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata Church Meetings First Letter to the Corinthians Music Mystery Prophecy

Topics

Language: Speaking in Inspired |Tongues| Forbidden Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians